	Recycling Tip:Remove Plastic Wrap Labels Many companies are using shrink-wrap plastic labels on their plastic packaging. These labels must be removed before recycling!
	Human-Powered Clothes Washers The Yerigo Drumi and the Laundry POD are two small non-electric washing machines, perfect for off-grid,tiny homes, camping, RVs...anywhere!.
	Low Flow Showerhead Savings Calculator A new online tool from Angie's List makes it easy to see your savings in water and energy when you switch to low flow showerheads.
	Walk for Water 2016 Help those around the world without access to clean water...by walking! Learn more.
	Orison Plug-and-Play Home Battery: Orison has introduced a simple to use home battery system.
	Arcadia Power Clean Energy: Arcadia Power helps you lower your house, apartment, or business with clean energy in just 5 minutes.
	Niagara Conservation Toilet Tank Bag: An inexpensive, simple way to cut your home's water usage without replacing your toilets.
	Google's Project Sunroof: A new internet tool from Google helps homeowners decide whether solar power is right for their home.
	Composting in the City: A new book shows how to successfully compost in very limited spaces, and with little time!
	Solar Paper iPhone Charger:The new Solar Panel Charger by YOLK is the thinnest and fastest smartphone charger ever! As small as an iPhone 6, it will charge a phone in only 2.5 hours in the sun.
	The Tesla PowerWall Home Battery:Tesla is poised to revolutionize home energy just as they've revolutionized the automobile with their new PowerWall battery. PowerWall stores solar energy during the day for use at night.
	The Nerdalize eRadiator Home Server:The eRadiator from Nerdalizer offers cloud computing servers for commercial use, and places them in residential homes to offer free home heating.
	The Luci Inflatable Solar Lantern:MPOWERD's Luci inflatable solar lantern provides reliable light powered by the sun in a portable, inflatable package.
	Tesla Developing a Home Battery:Tesla has developed a home battery system that will begin production in the next few months capable of powering an entire residential home, charged with solar power.
	Rainforest Automation Energy Monitoring:Rainforest Automation energy monitoring products allow users to watch their energy usage in real time, as well as how much money it's costing them.
	The Problem With Plastic Microbeads in Cosmetics:Many cosmetic products contain tiny plastic microbeads. And that's a problem.
	Cree Connected Smart LED BulbCree enters the Smart Home market with their new $15 Connected smart LED light bulb.
	Monster GreenPower Surge ProtectorsMonster GreenPower surge protectors eliminate phantom load power use automatically.
	New Vintage LED Light BulbsThese beautiful new LED bulbs recreate the warm glow of vintage incandescent bulbs while using only 5 watts of electricity.
	Renewable Wood EnergyBurning wood for heat can be an environmental mixed-bag, but is typically considered a renewable energy source.
	Kohler Whitehaven Self-Trimming Apron Front SinksThese highly-functional,durable, and beautiful farmhouse style sinks are made from at least 80 % recycled material, and are completely recyclable.
	Next Generation Cree LED Light BulbCree introduces its newest LED bulbs, which are super-efficient, long-lasting, affordable, and look just like traditional light bulbs, and are assembled in the USA.
	Stuff We Like: Dirtball Eco-Friendly ClothesDirtball has an entire line of clothes made entirely from 100% recycled materials, and it's all 100% Made in the USA.
	Solarade Portable USB Solar ChargerThis new solar charger is very small and very powerful, allowing you to charge any USB device from anywhere, using only the sun.
	LG Eco-Hybrid Heat Pump Clothes DryerThe new LG Eco-Hybrid Clothes Dryer incorporates heat pump technology to drastically reduce the energy required to dry your clothes!
	Detroit Bikes: Go Green the Motown Way! Bicycles are the most eco-friendly mode of transportation. Detroit Bikes aims to make them greener by manufacturing quality, simple bikes in downtown Detroit.
	New Device Reduces Lawn Mower Pollution by 93%:Students at UC Riverside have created an inexpensive device that effectively reduces pollution by 93% in gas-fueled lawn mowers.
	The Hydros Smart Irrigation Controller:Reduce outdoor water usage by up to 60% with the Hydros Smart Irrigation Control System.
	The UrbMat by UrbnEarth:The UrbMat by UrbnEarth is an all-in-one garden system solution, perfect for first-time gardeners or those with limited gardening space.
	Bonide Garden Naturals:Bonide's Garden Naturals is a full line of natural, organic gardening products to help your garden grow and thrive.
	The Kerflight:The new Kerflight line of lamps,by design studio Graypants, uses recycled corrugated cardboard to create distinctive, reversible shades.
	Archimedes Liam F1 Small Wind Turbine:Archimedes introduces the Liam F1, a small wind turbine that is extremely efficient and virtually silent.
	Energy Star Clothes Dryers:Starting with 2015 models, Energy Star will now certify clothes dryers. New models will be 20% more energy-efficient than the minimum energy standard.
	Dog Waste: Eco-Options:Searching for greener alternatives to throwing out dog waste with the trash.
	Cree T8 LED Linear Lamp The new Cree T8 LED Lamp easily replaces 4-foot fluorescent tube lamps. They are 30% more energy-efficient, and rated for 50,000 hours. Compatible with over 90% of existing ballasts.
	Stuff We Love: S'Well Bottle S'Well Bottles are a wonderful way to replace the throwaway plastic bottle. Insulated to keep liquids hot for 12 hours or cold for 24!!
	Tesla Motors Tesla is leading the way into a greener, cleaner, electric vehicle future. Tesla is the official vehicle of Green Home Source and Gen1 Architectural Group. Hey, we can dream, can't we?
	Green Lifestyle: Pikolinos Shoes Take a look at why Pikolinos are our favorite shoes!
	Green Home Product Source's Guide to Green Gadgets Our favorite green gadgets are not always essential, but they are energy-saving, super-cool and fun!
	SnapRay Guide Lights SnapRay Guide Lights provide safe, efficient LED lights wherever you have electrical outlets in your home,without batteries or wiring required.
	Envirolet Composting Toilet Systems Envirolet is an industry-leading manufacturer of composting toilet systems.
	SolarCity and Best Buy Team Up to Offer Solar Power to Consumers SolarCity and Best Buy announce an agreement to bring affordable solar power to millions of residential customers.
	Panasonic WhisperGreen Vent Fan The ultra-quiet WhisperGreen vent fan from Panasonic exceeds Energy Star requirements by 871%.
	Fireclay 100% Recycled CRT Glass Tiles This new tile from Fireclay is a beautiful, handcrafted glass tile made from 100% recycled glass from CRTs.
	Whirlpool 4.3 Duet High Efficiency Washer The Whirlpool 4.3 Duet Washer gets your clothes super-clean while using water and energy very efficiently.
	Philips SlimStyle LED Light Bulb Philips breaks the $10 price point for quality LED bulbs with the distinctive-looking, super-efficient SlimStyle.
	Whirlpool EveryDrop Portable Water Filter The Whirlpool EveryDrop portable water filter gives you clean, delicious water wherever you are, without the need for expensive, wasteful plastic water bottles.
	WakaWaka POWER Solar Smartphone Charger The WakaWaka POWER solar smartphone charger will charge smartphones and other devices in only two hours, as well as providing a bright light with 5 different light modes.
	100-Watt Equivalent LED Light Bulbs New designs are allowing super-efficient LED bulbs to be as bright as 100 watt incandescent bulbs while using up to 80% less energy!
	Niagara Tri Max Low Flow Showerhead The Niagara Tri Max Low Flow Showerhead has 3 water-saving settings and a satisfying stream.
	Niagara Stealth Ultra-High Efficiency Toilet The Niagara Stealth toilet provides flushing power using only 0.8 gallons of water per flush.
	Armstrong Tin Look Ceiling Tile The Tin Look ceiling tile from Armstrong creates the detailed look of a tin ceiling while using 55% recycled materials.
	Nest Protect Smart Smoke Detector The new Nest Protect smoke detector is a high-tech connected way to keep your family safe.
	Recycling Old CDs and DVDs Throwing out old CDs and DVDs should always be the last resort. Reuse or recycle them! Find out more here.
	Home Composting ProductsMake home composting quick and easy with these convenient composting products.
	BoxWave Rejuva Solar PowerPackThis solar smartphone charger is perfect for charging devices with clean solar power anywhere you go.
	High Sierra Low Flow Shower HeadHigh Sierra low flow shower heads use only 1.5 gpm to save water and energy! All-metal construction and 100% made in the U.S.A.
	Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel BottlesWhen you're on the go, don't bother with throwaway plastic water bottles. Stay green with Klean Kanteen bottles. BPA-free, toxin-free, 100% stainless steel containers built to last. And beautiful!
	Superior Walls Foundation SystemsPre-cast, foam insulated concrete foundation panels from Superior Walls form a durable, energy-efficient foundation wall that insulates and keeps basements dry.
	Halcyon Mini-Split HVAC by FujitsuHalcyon efficiently heats and cools all or part of your home without ducts.
	BuildBlock ICFsBuildBlock is the industry leader in Insulated Concrete Form wall systems, which provide strength, comfort, and excellent energy-efficiency to any green home.
	Nylodeck by NyloboardNylodeck is a beautiful, durable decking material made from recycled carpet fibers. It contains no PVC or wood.
	Cree LED Light BulbsThese new LED light bulbs from Cree have the look of traditional incandescent bulbs while using 85% less energy.
	Halfback H2O Siding InsulationHalfback H2O Siding Insulation from Progressive Foam adds durability, moisture protection, and energy-saving insulation to any home siding material.
	Hwam Freestanding Wood FireplaceHwam makes a line of freestanding wood fireplaces that allow owners to have the functionality and beauty of an efficient wood fire anywhere.
	Haiku Ceiling FanThe Haiku ceiling fan, made from sustainable bamboo, is Energy Star rated as the most efficient ceiling fan available.
	Trex Transcend Composite DeckingTrex Transcend is a line of high-quality composite decking material built to provide decades of low-maintenance use, made from recycled plastic and sawdust waste.
	Evolve ShowerStartEvolve ShoweStart products automatically shut off warming-up water in the shower once the water temp has reached 95 degrees to save water and energy.
	Stramit CAFboardStramit's CAFboard offers superior wallboard performance in products made from sustainable, all-natural wheat straw.
	Switch LED Light BulbSwitch offers superior energy-efficiency and light quality in a revolutionary LED design.
	When to Replace an Aging Refrigerator?Should you replace an aging fridge with a newer energy-efficient model, or hang on to it for a bit longer?
	2nd Chance Wood Co.: 2nd Chance Wood Co. is a Michigan based company offering beautiful furniture, flooring, and other products made from wood salvaged from old structures.
	CertainTeed Asphalt Shingles: Discover the beauty, durability, and sustainability of CertainTeed residential asphalt shingles.
	Ipe Hardwood Decking from Mataverde: Mataverdes' Ipe decking is a beautiful, durable, and sustainably-harvested hardwood, naturally resistant to insects and decay.
	Tyvek HomeWrap Weather Barrier: Tyvek HomeWrap weather barrier helps any home become more energy-efficient by protecting it from water and air infiltration while allowing the home to breathe for healthier indoor air quality.
	WaterFurnace Geothermal Systems: WaterFurnace Geothermal Systems efficiently heat and cool a home using energy from the ground beneath our feet rather than polluting fossil fuels.
	EcoSmart Fireplace: EcoSmart fireplaces use a clean-burning, completely renewable fuel to create fire features that require no chimney, flue, electrical or gas connections.
	2nd Generation Nest Thermostat: Nest has introduced the next generation learning thermostat, which features a slimmer design, updated software, and more apps and functions.
	PorterSIPS: PorterSIPS are a high quality structural insulated panel wall system that can lower your homes' heating and cooling costs by over 50% and reduce construction costs as well.
	Hortech LiveWall System: The Hortech LiveWall system is an easily-installed, easily-maintained living wall system that provides all the benefits of a living wall without the trouble.
	Hortech LiveRoof System: Hortechs' LiveRoof System creates a beautiful, sustainable, energy-saving living roof for your green home.
	NuWool Wallseal Insulation: Reduce your homes' energy usage and save money with NuWools' outstanding, environmentally-friendly Wallseal insulation.
	Bosch 800 Series High-Efficiency Dishwasher: Get your dishes squeaky clean with this super-efficient dishwasher from Bosch.
	ZIP System Wall Sheathing: Give your green home the protection and energy-efficiency it deserves with durable ZIP wall sheathing.
	Whirlpool Efficient Refrigerators: These amazingly-efficient Whirlpool refrigerators use only as much power as a 40 watt light bulb!
	Nest Learning Thermostat: The Nest Learning Thermostat learns your schedule and preferences to keep you comfortable and your energy bills down.
	Philips BR30 LED Indoor Flood Light: An efficient, dimmable LED flood for your green home!
	Dow Solar Shingles: Protect your homes' roof and create power from the sun at the same time!
	Zip System Roof Sheathing: Check out the Zip Sheating System for use on your green homes' roof.
	Sheathing - An Overview: Sheathing is an important element in green home construction today.
	Bryant Evolution System Energy-Efficient Gas Furnaces: Bryant has some of the more energy efficient furnaces on the market today.
	Benjamin Moore Aura Paint: Check out the great eco-friendly paint products from Benjamin Moore.
	Paints and Coatings: Keep the VOC's at bay with these great zero and low VOC paints and coating products for your green home.
	Eco Countertop Materials: Here are some of the eco-friendly countertop materials offered for green homebuilding.
	Green Kitchen Cabinets: Among the areas of any home that get the most use, traffic, and abuse are the kitchen and the bathroom.
	Energy Star Refrigerators: Today's efficient refrigerators can save you a great deal of energy, and money.
	Trane Furnaces: Trane has an entire line of Energy Star-certified furnaces that will deliver some of the highest efficiencies in the industry.
	Energy Star Appliances: Choosing energy-efficient appliances will help you keep energy use down and save you money.
	Philips EnduraLED Bulbs: Efficient, long-lasting line of products designed for the energy-efficient green home.
	Energy Efficient Light Bulbs: With new CFL's and LED's on the market, now is the time for you to switch.
	Lighting Systems: Lighting is one of the largest energy uses in the home. Consider these products.
	Caulking and Adhesives: Give these products consideration for a pollution-free interior environment.
	GREENchoice: Sealing gaps, cracks, and other small gaps with GREENchoice caulks from Titebond.
	3M Window Film: 3M offers great insulating options for your existing windows.
	Bricor Showerheads: Give these high-quality, low-flow showerheads a try.
	Toto Toilets: Toto offers a full line of attractive, high-performance toilets designed to save water without sacrificing performance.
	Home HVAC Systems: Design and selection of the proper HVAC system is probably one of the biggest decisions you can make for your home.
	Broan Attic Fan: Broan offers some great options for their solar attic ventilators. Read our reviews about them right here.
	Insulation and Ventilation: Reviews of the latest and greatest green technology for insulation and ventilation products.
	RainXchange Rainwater Harvesting: High quality rail collection barrels with supporting accessories for fast, efficient water collection.
	Bushman Rainwater Harvesting: Bushman offers a full line of rainwater collection systems to fit any size home.
	Fiskars Rain Barrel: Harvesting rainwater from a home's roof for watering gardens and lawn areas.
	Irrigation Systems: Most of us use the greatest proportion of water to irrigate our landscape. This is a big conservation opportunity.
	bioLime Stucco Siding: An all-natural lime-based exterior plaster, providing durability, energy efficiency, and beauty for your home.
	Pella Windows: Pella's Designer Series windows offer the beauty of natural wood windows with exceptional energy efficiency.
	CertainTeed Siding - Fiber Cement: CertainTeed WeatherBoard Fiber Cement Siding is an excellent choice for siding your green home.
	Nichiha Siding: Nichiha offers a wide variety of extremely durable , environmentally-friendly fiber cement siding styles, textures, and colors.
	Therma Tru Doors: For energy efficiency and attractiveness, Green Home Source uses ThermaTru fiberglass exterior doors.
	Andersen Windows: The Andersen 400 Series of windows is the #1 choice in windows for Green Home Source for their beauty and energy efficiency.
	Doors And Windows: Our latest reviews on green rated doors and windows to increase the durability of your green home.
	CertainTeed Vinyl Siding: Vinyl siding that offers an attractive, durable option for your home's exterior while minimizing the environmental impact.
	James Hardie Siding: Fiber cement products with the look of wood and the durability and maintenance-free attributes of cement.
	Exterior Finish and Trim: Opportunities abound for green products on the home exterior. Check out our reviews of these exciting products.
	Milorganite Lawn Fertilizer: Since 1925, Milorganite has been providing customers with a high-quality, easy-to-use, 100% all natural fertilizer.
	Clay Roof Tiles - US Tile: Check Out The Great Green Aspects of US Tile's ClayLite and ClayMax Roofing Tiles.
	GAF Shingles - Cool Series: Interested In a Green Friendly Asphalt Shingle? Check Out the GAF Timberline Cool Series.
	Tamko Shingles: Environmental And Durability Advantages Of A Metal Roof, With The Appearance Of Traditional Shingles.
	Green Roof Systems: Start Greening Your Home From The Top Down And Consider Installing A Green Roof System.
	Worm Factory 360: Worm Composting Is A Great Way To Produce Rich Organic Soil For Your Landscape.
	Soilsaver Classic Composter: The Soilsaver Composter is a Sturdy, Affordable Composter.
	Geobin Composting System: Simple, Elegant, Inexpensive and a Very Effective Open Compost Container.
	Unilock Pavers: One of The Best Interlocking Pavers You Will Find. Numerous Designs, Colors and Options.
	Sitework and Landscaping: All Kinds of Product Reviews to Make Your Outdoor Living Experience More Enjoyable and Eco-Friendly.
	Bosch Tankless Water Heater: Bosch Has A System to Fulfill Your Hot Water Needs - See What They Offer.
	Plumbing Design: This Is A Great Area To Concentrate For Your First Renewable Energy Systems, And Water Saving Systems.
	Stiebel Eltron Instant Hot Water Heater: If You Don't Have Natural Gas Available Consider These Electric Instant Water Heaters.
	Rinnai Tankless Water Heater: Rinnai Heaters Offer Some On The Most Energy Efficient Water Heaters Available.
	Solar Hot Water Systems: Some of the Best Green Powered Systems Are For Water Heating. Find The Best Here.
	Heliodyne Cool Climate: All You Add Is Your Water Storage Tank For A Complete Solar Water. Heating Package.
	Sunearth Copperheart: Solar Hot Water Heating Package from the Folks at Sunearth.
	Sunearth Sunsiphon: Solar Hot Water Heating With Integral Storage Tank Located Above Panels.

Sheathing - An Overview

Zip System Sheathing - Huber Engineered Woods

Sheathing often doesn't get much attention when thoughts turn to a new home; it's simply not a very glamorous subject. That's too bad, because sheathing is one of the most important parts of any structure, whether it's a green building or not.

What is Sheathing and Why is it Important?

Asking the question 'What is sheathing?' is like asking 'Why do we build houses and live in them?' It's critical to the long-term strength and safety of a home. Sheathing is the home's skin to the frame's skeleton; it encloses the structure in an airtight barrier to keep us safe from the elements. Sheathing acts to strengthen a home's studs, rafters and joists by joining them together.

A home's sheathing protects a building from twisting in strong winds and earthquake events. Under normal situations, sheathing provides the base for a home's floors, siding, and roof.

Sheathing on most homes comes in the form of wood panels applied to a home's skeletal frame. Most wood sheathing panels are made to standards set by the APA (The Engineered Wood Association, formerly the American Plywood Association). These standards were created to ensure that every home's sheathing will stand up to a strict list of criteria for performance, strength, and safety.

Sheathing in a Green Home

Sheathing products used in the design and construction of an environmentally-sustainable green home must meet the APA standards, but must also be manufactured with materials that tread more lightly on the earth than traditional engineered wood products.

Traditional sheathing products are often made from wood or wood products that are not sourced ethically or sustainably, and usually contain glues and other toxic bonding materials that can contribute to poor air quality and health issues due to exposure.

The articles in this section will focus on the different types of sheathing, including wall, roof, and floor sheathing products, along with reviews and recommendations for products that meet our strict guidelines for sustainability and durability.

ZIP System Sheathing: Traditional roofing materials begin with plywood, the reliable 'workhorse' of the construction world. Plywood does its job very well, but it often isn't the greenest material available due to issues with deforestation.

Sheathing products by ZIP System are an alternative that may be worth considering for your green home.

For more about these eco-friendly sheathing systems, check our our articles: Zip System Roof Sheathing and ZIP System Wall Sheathing.

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